Limitations, Exceptions + Exclusions

not included in a home inspection

Limitations

1. An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
2. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
3. An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or what could be deemed matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc.
4. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use.
5. An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.
6. An inspection does not determine the insurability of the property.
7. An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected property.
8. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein.
9. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
10. These Standards of Practice apply only to homes with four or fewer dwelling units.

Exclusions

The inspectors are not required to determine:

• property boundary lines or encroachments
• the condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible
• the service life expectancy of any component or system
• the size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or system
• the cause or reason of any condition
• the cause for the need of repair or replacement of any system or component
• future conditions
• compliance with codes or regulations
• the presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects
• the presence of mold, mildew or fungus
• the presence of air-borne hazards
• the presence of birds
• the presence of other flora or fauna
• the air quality
• the existence of asbestos
• the existence of environmental hazards
• the existence of electro-magnetic fields
• the presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the presence of lead in paint
• any hazardous waste conditions
• any manufacturer's recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation, or any information included for consumer protection purposes
• operating costs of systems
• replacement or repair cost estimates
• the acoustical properties of any systems
• estimates of the cost to operating any given system

The inspectors are not required to operate:

• any system that is shut down
• any system that does not function properly
• or evaluate low-voltage electrical systems such as, but not limited to: phone lines, cable lines, antennae, lights or remote controls
• any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls
• any shut-off valves or manual stop valves
• any electrical disconnect or over current protection devices
• any alarm systems
• moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment

The inspectors are not required to:

• move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to: throw rugs, furniture, floor or wall coverings, ceiling tiles, window coverings, equipment, plants, ice, debris, snow, water, dirt, foliage or pets
• dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component
• enter or access any area which may, in the opinion of the inspector, be unsafe
• enter crawlspaces or other areas that are unsafe or not readily accessible
• inspect underground items such as, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other indications of their presence, whether abandoned or actively used
• do anything which, in the inspector's opinion, is likely to be unsafe or dangerous to the inspector or others, or damage property, such as, but not limited to: walking on roof surfaces, climbing ladders, entering attic spaces, or negotiating with pets
• inspect decorative items
• inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing
• inspect intercoms, speaker systems, radio-controlled security devices, or lawn irrigation systems
• offer guarantees or warranties
• offer or perform any engineering services
• offer or perform any trade or professional service other than home inspection
• research the history of the property, report on its potential for alteration, modification, extendibility, or its suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy
• determine the age of construction or installation of any system structure or component of a building, or differentiate between original construction and subsequent additions, improvements, renovations or replacements
• determine the insurability of a property
• perform or offer Phase 1 environmental audits
• inspect on any system or component which is not included in these standards

- Your Best Choice In Home Inspections -